The Australian Government is investing $8 million to support the Children’s Tumour Foundation and research into neurofibromatosis, a devastating condition which can cause cancer, blindness, deafness and chronic pain.

The $7 million Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Neurofibromatosis Research Grant Opportunity will support ground breaking research projects to develop new interventions and improve healthcare and outcomes for people living with neurofibromatosis.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition that can causes tumours to form around nerves, including in the brain and spinal cord. It is more common in children and young adults and while there currently is no cure, treatments can help manage this condition.

There are three types of neurofibromatosis and the most prevalent, neurofibromatosis type 1, affects up to one in every 2,500 Australians.

The 2021 Neurofibromatosis Research Grant Opportunity funding is part of the Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research (EPCDR) Initiative.

The initiative helps to support high quality biomedical, clinical, health services and population health research that improves patient care, find new diagnoses, treatments and cures for those suffering from rare and debilitating conditions and translate new discoveries into clinical practice.

In addition to the MRFF funding, we are providing $1 million over four years to the Children’s Tumour Foundation. This will help the foundation continue its important work in advocacy, research and support for families with children who live with neurofibromatosis.

The MRFF is a long-term, sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research helping to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to the sustainability of the health system. It is also a capital preserved fund, which matured at $20 billion in July 2020.